Centennial State News

Colorado's National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has voiced its opposition to House Bill 1001, which they argue would impose a significant regulatory burden on employers. The bill, if passed, could affect small businesses by increasing compliance requirements.

Michael Smith, the NFIB State Director, expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed legislation on small business owners. He stated, "By and large, small business owners are law-abiding individuals who want to take care of their employees and meet their customers’ needs. Main Street employers operate on infamously thin margins, often finding a way to pay their employees before they pay themselves."

Smith emphasized that many small businesses lack extensive resources for legal and regulatory compliance. "We know that most small businesses do not have an army of compliance officers or attorneys at their disposal to navigate the regulatory and legal landscape," he said.

The NFIB believes that HB 1001 would increase the risk of fines and lawsuits for small businesses. Smith added, "This bill turns these assumptions on their head. Not only would HB 1001 significantly increase the regulatory burden on small businesses, but it would open them up to intimidation, steep fines, and frivolous lawsuits."

As discussions around HB 1001 continue, Smith assured that the NFIB will engage with lawmakers and stakeholders to mitigate potential challenges for Colorado's small business community. "As this bill progresses," he concluded, "we will continue to work with lawmakers and stakeholders to make sure we don’t create additional hurdles for small business owners to operate in Colorado."